If you’ve walked past the first tee at Chester River Yacht and Country Club recently, you might have spotted that familiar sign: Winter Rules. In golf, it’s a practical adjustment—allowing for “preferred lies” because the ground is frozen, the grass is dormant, and the conditions are simply different than they are in July.
As we look at the radar today and await the incoming snow, it’s the perfect metaphor for how we should be treating ourselves. The world is about to go quiet, and maybe we should too.
Society often demands a 365-day-a-year “hustle,” but biology suggests otherwise. Research into circadian rhythms and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) shows that humans are naturally inclined to conserve energy during the colder, darker months.
- According to psychologists, intentional slowing down (often called “slow living”) reduces cortisol levels. When we fight the season by trying to maintain a summer pace, we risk burnout.
- There’s actual chemistry in your mug! Cocoa contains flavanols and theobromine, which have been linked to improved mood and cognitive function. It’s not just a treat; it’s a biological “hug” for your brain.
While the snow piles up outside, consider these your “preferred lies” for the next 24 hours:
- Use the hearth as a focal point. Staring at a fire has been shown in studies to lower blood pressure and induce a state of relaxation—a relic of our evolutionary past where the fire meant safety.
- Pick up a physical book. Research suggests that reading paper books (as opposed to screens) improves sleep quality and deepens focus, providing a much-needed digital detox.
- Instead of viewing it as being trapped, view it as being protected. This is the season’s way of giving you permission to do absolutely nothing productive.
In golf, Winter Rules exist because the course isn’t at its peak—and that’s okay. We don’t expect the fairways to be lush in January, so why do we expect ourselves to be in “peak bloom” all year round?
Tonight, as the flakes start to fall, let the “Winter Rules” take over. Let the ground rest, let the club stay in the bag, and let yourself reset.
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